Science Fridays at Vincennes University continue throughout October for high school students

Every Friday in September and October is a Science Friday at Vincennes University. High schoolers from Indiana and Illinois come to the university’s campus to participate in science experiments and activities. Science Fridays are organized by the university’s College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics.

The dean of the College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics, Curt Coffman, was quoted in an article on Vincennes University’s website about the purpose of the events, saying, “We believe hosting high school students for Science Fridays and similar hands-on learning experiences is a vital bridge between curiosity and realization.” Coffman went on to say, “It's a glimpse into the future, igniting the spark of passion for science, engineering, and mathematics. By opening our doors and sharing our cutting-edge facilities, Vincennes University hopes to inspire the next generation of professionals and innovators, fostering a love for SEM that will propel them toward meaningful and rewarding careers.”

Science Fridays seems to be accomplishing its goal: Northeast Dubois High School student Emily Recker said, “This is my third year I’ve gotten to come, and it’s so much fun.” 

Students who participate in Science Fridays will be treated to activities like soap making, DNA fingerprinting, projectile motion experiments, animal dissections, collecting fish samples, and soil analysis activities. All experiments and laboratory time is guided by faculty from Vincennes University. In addition to hands-on experiences, students will also get a look into what it would be like to have a career in the sciences.

While the primary goal of Science Fridays is to introduce students to concepts in science and give them opportunities to learn in a new environment, high school teachers are also reaping the benefits of bringing their students to participate in the events. Andrea Rickelman, a science and math teacher from Northeast Dubois High School, noted how beneficial being exposed to Science Fridays has been for her personally as an educator: “This is an opportunity for students to have access to equipment. We don’t have all of this equipment. We have one fume hood and here every station has a fume hood. The availability of materials is great at VU. Plus the students get access to the university to see what it is like, and then students may come here. This also gives me ideas of things to add to my own curriculum.”

Science Fridays at Vincennes University will run through October. For more information, visit the College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics. For more information about Vincennes University in general, visit the school’s website.